Stereotype-plate mechanism



g A. A. HENZI STEREOTYPE PLATE MECHANI Original Filed Feb. 1'7. 1921 1,637 641 Aug. 2,1927. HENZ} STEREOTYPE PLATE MECHANISM Original Filed Feb.l7. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet- (Juno/mien 1,637 641 Aug. 2, 1927. x A. A HENZ STEREOTYPE PLATE HECHANISH Original Filed Feb.l7. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Aug. [2, 1927,

ALBERT A. HENZI,

PATENT oFFica.

OF QEIGAGQ, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO GOSS PRINTING PRE$8 CGM= IAZNY, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

STEREOTYPE-PLATE MECHANISM.

original application filed February 17, 1921, Serial No. 445,863. Divided and this application filed Help 8, 1922, Serial 110. 573,752.

The invention relates to stereotype plate. making mechanism and more especially to a plate delivering mechanism, or machine for mechanically removing a plate from the casting machine or mechanism and delivering it to a plate trimming mechanism or elsewhere as desired.

Objects and advantags of the invention will be set forth in parthereinatter and 111 1 part will be obvious heretrom, or may be learned by practice withthe invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the instrui'nentalitics and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, referred to 29 herein and constituting a part hereof, i1lusrate one embodiment of the invention, and. together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

- 1 Of the drawings Fig. 1 is a central vertical, longitudinal section through a machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a full top planet the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal section' on the line 33 of Fig.1;

Fig. 4; is a horizontal section on the line H of Fig. 1, on the same scale as that figure; 5

Fig. 5 is a central, vertical. longitudinal section through a modified form of the machine shown inFig. 1,

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevation of the lower part of Fig. 5 looking thereat from the front;

Fig. 7 is afragmentary elevation of the lower part of Fig. 5' looking thereat from the right;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a plate carrier of somewhat different form than the one shown in F igzs. 1 and 2:

Fig. 9 is a transverse section through the drag of a casting box showing the plate carrier engaging the plate preparatory to re- 5 moving it from the drag:

Fig. 10 shows the plate carrier after hav- Renewed January 5, 1W7.

ing rotated the plate into position above and supported upon the carrier;

Fig. 11 shows the plate carrier in raised positon ready to be swung or rotated outwardly awe from the casting box;

Fig. 12 s owe the casting box in elevation, and the plate delivering mechanism swung or rotated around tool-toward delivery position;

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of two castingmechanisms served by a single plate delivery mechanism and by a single plate trimming mechanism; and

Fig. 14 is a similar view showing the plate delivering; mechanism delivering directly to the late trimming mechanism.

T is invention covers subject matter divided from my Patent No. 1,514,765, dated November 11, 1924.

Referrin now to the embodiment of the invention, 1 lustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, the drag or concave member of a casting box is shown generall as 1, and preferably the drag is provide with a receding or recessible matrix-carrying part 2. which moves backwardly from castin position, thereby stripping the matrix rom the plate through such movement. This recedent matrix-earrying back is shown clearly in Figs. 9, 10 and 11, and is described and shown in detail in application S. N. 408,203 of Albert A.

Henzi, filed September 4, 1920.

The plate m is supported in of the drag at either end of themember 2, this support of the plate being shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The plate is preferably cast with a tail or extra portion at each end thereof for this purpose.

the body 1 If desired, this delivering mechanism can also, be employed with the saddles or elevating" devices shown in application S. N. 434.001 of M. W. Brueshaber filed March 2, l .21.

Referring now more particularly to the plate carrier 5 and its supporting and actuating mechanism. the carrier is shown with a central portion designated 6 in Figs. 1 and 2, and 6 in the other figures of substantially the internal width or diameter of the stereotype platem. At either side thereof the car rier has a horizontal longitudinally-disposed,

outwardly projecting rib the body portion" tongues or elements designated 7" in Figs. l

and 2 and T in the other figures and the sides of the plate immedietely adjacent the straight edges resting against the external sides of the body 6. The plate carrier is reversible, that is, it will carry a plate so upon either side thereof, thereby avoiding idle rotation of the carrier to bring it to plate-receivingposition. The plate carrier is designed to have vertical motion toward and away from the plate a: to bring it into the above described engagement with the straight edges of the plate while the plate is restingin the drag with its concave side upwardly, as shownin 9. .i

The plate carrier has also rotary movement while so in engagement with the plate a: to bring: the plate above the plate carrier 5, with the straight edges of the plate resting upon the tongues or projections 7, as shown in Fig. lit in addition to said vertical movement to lift the plate and carrier free from the drag, as shown in Fig. 11 the plate carrier hes singular or rotational movement in a, substantially horizontal plane to move the plate away from the drag and into operative relation with e, platetrimming machine, or to deposit it upon a deliverytable, or other suitable receptacle.

Referring now in detail to the supporting end moving mechanism for the plate carrier,- ssfembodied, it has fixed thereto a horizontelly extending shaft 2'12, which short is journailed bearings 13 and 14.- in esupport 15,

, sleeve 21 which is nert of votieull v mov which support is movsbly mounted on the machine frame. A collar 16 is fired on shaft 12, between the two bearings 13' and 14, to prevent longitudinal displacement of the shaft. Shaft 12 is provided with one or more crenlr arms 17, provided with handles 18, whereby the shaft is rotated in its bearmg to impart the rotary movement to the I i plots csrricr, which removes the plate rrom the draw, and also to impart the horizontal swingin i or rotating movement to the cer rier end its supporting plate, to effect the delivery of the plate, as already briefly deser'i v The support has fixed to or integral the: r, downwardly projecting cylindries; sleeve which lite closely within a.

able or r-eciproceble csrrier the supnort l5. czirr'er. 2-2 is directly beneath his is provided with snnportingz means for the support if, when the carrier end support have upwnrd at downward movement together, but rotary or 15 has horizontal lively its c rrzer enient upon, and role- As embodied, an

fixed to or integral with the support 15.

Means are provided for su 'uoorting and guiding the entire mechanism already described for vertical reciprocatory relative movement between the plate carrier 5 both for the purpose of renmovinuthe plate from the drag on to the carrier and for later lifting the carrier with the plate thereon. as already described; As embodied, there are provided upon the exterior of the sleeve 21 of the support 22 two diametrically-spaced, vertically disposed, outwardly projecting guiding lugs 28 and 29, which work in corresponding; guideways 30 and 31, these guideways being formd upon a column 32 arising out of, and preferably integral with the base 33 0f the machine.

, As embodied, theraising and lowering of the plate carrier and its support is effected by foot power applied by the workman, and a cooperating automatic spring mechanism,

thereby leaving both hands of the workman free during the delivery of the plate. As

embodied, the mechanism is depressed by foot-power, and is automatically raised preferably by the spring action, when the foot pressure is released. A vertically disposed rod 35 is fixed to and extends upwardly from the base 33 of the'machine, the'rod projcct Formed on the carrier 22 hrs lugs 39 and 40, which constitute a pivotal connection for, a link 41. The linki, at'its opposite end 42 is pivotally connected to a foot lever 43,

which lever is forked or yoked, and hes pivoral bearings at 44 and 45 upon the column 32 of the machine frame. 3 A Means are provided tor hdldingthe mech anism in depressed position against the action of the spring 37, and as embodied a lever 48 is pivotally, supported at @9 upon the machine base 38, lever 48 having its tail bent upwardly and provided with e book 50, which engages over one of the forks of lever 43. Lever 48 is yieldingly hcldinposition to engage the lever 43 by a spring 52, and snaps back end then over lever 43 when it depressed. lhe manner of the operation of the mech" anism so far described may be briefly rcstated as follows:-

The carrier 5 is swung; over the plate :12 lying with its concave side upward in the drag. The operator then steps upon lever 13, moving the plate carrier and lts sup porting mechanism downwardly until the carrier is in the position of Fig. 9. The hook 50 holds the carrier in this position. By means of the handle 18. the plate carrer 5 in rotated until the plate .2 1S brought to the position of Fig. 10. The workman then steps upon lever 48, and lever 13 thereby re leased from hook 50, and spring 37 raises the plate carrier to the position of .l ie. l1. Thereiu ion, by means of the handles it). the plate may be swung amrularly horizontally away {rem the drag. the support 15 rotating upon its carrier 22, as shown in Figs. 1:1 and 13.

Referring now to the somewhat difl'ereut form of mechanism shown in Figs. 5 and .12,

' a plate carrier 5 has its horiZ0ntally-dis- Ill) - restorin 5 win 79, which e )rin poised shaft 12 journaled in a support :38, with a spacing collar :31) at one end thereof. Fixed to shaft 12 is a crank (31, the hub thereof serving as a spacing collar against the support 58. Projecting: downwardly from the support 58, fixed to and preferably integral therewith, is a cylindrical member or column 63. fitting within a cylindrical opening; in a pillar 6 1, which pillar projects upwardly from the. base ol the machine. The support 58 is provided with a downwardlyq irojecting, annular flange 67-, which encircles the cylindrical upper portion. of the column 641. I A spring latch 68 may be employed, engaging with teeth (59 formed on the bottom edge or crown Q'li the flange 67 to angularly or rotatively position the carrier just above the drag to take the plate, and to position it at the place of delivery.

The cylindrical column (33 is supported upon the conical top 72 of a rod 73, the lower end of the column 63 having" therein a recess shaped to fit upon the conical head ot the I'Ot... The rod 73 is mounted in a sup port 75 on the machine frame, is longitudinally slidable in its mounting, and its lower end rests upon the end 76 of a foot lever 77. Foot. lever 77 is pivoted at. 78 upon the machine frame, and may be provided with a however, will not usually be found necessary.

With this form of the n'lechanism, the plate'carrierjs norn'ially in its lower or depresscdrendition. When the carrier is to he MJllilg' over the dra'g to remove the plate therefrom, the. workman steps upon the foot lever 7?, thereby raising the plate carrier, and after it is in position above the. drag. the pedal lever 77 is released, and the platecarricr comer to the posit ion of Fig. 9, ready to rotate the plate. The crank, or double rear-h. arms 61 are then rotated to the position of hip: 10. and thereupon the worlnnan again #ttepa upon'foot lever 77, and the plate eizpported upon the carrier 5 is brun .to the position oi: Fig. 11. The

nlate "armor and lie support is then rotated upon the pin 73 to swing the plate horizontally angularly away from the drag, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. I l

A holding lever 82 may be provided for the loot lever 77, as shown in Fig. 5., and may be generally similar in its operation to the holding lever 18 already described in connection With the torm of mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2. When this holding lever is employed, it is not necessary for the workman to keep his foot upon the lever 77.

Means are provided for rolling the machine from place {to place, while leaving it upon a lirm and s able base when in operating posit ion. Such means are shown in Figs. Ii, 6 and T. Rollers or casters 98 are mounted in supports 91), which supports are verticall v slidalile. in the machine frame. The sup ports 01) are mounted on eccentrics 100,

which are. lixed on shaft 101, which is mounted in the machine frame. The shaft 101 has lixcd thereto arms 102, which are pivotally connected together by a link or links 10 One end 01 the Shaft 101 has a foot pedal 10 1 connected thereto, whereby the casters 98 may be retracted above the lever ot the base, or projected therebelow, dependent on whether the machine is to rest lirmly upon the floor or it is desired to move it from place to place.

In'Fig. 13 the arrangement is shown of a furnace and melting pot 109 for the stereotype metal, provided with pumps 111 and 112. serving, respectively. castinginachines 113 and 114. These machines have, respectively. cores 115 and 116. and drags 117 and 118. The plate carrier 5 is shown removing a plate from the drag 117, while drag 118 is in casting position. The manner of re1novingthe plate from the drag has already been described. The horizontal angular or rotatory delivering movement of the plate isindicated by the arrow 110. and a trin'nning machine indicated conventionally by the reference numerals 120. 121 and 122, 120 and 121 serving as temporary storage points for the plates before they go into the finishing mechanism 122.

The trimming machine may be of any convenient or adequate construction and man ner of operation, and the plates may be delivered thereto directly by the carrier 5 or may be delivered to a receiving table for the trimming or finishingmachine.

In Fig. 1 1 tbeplate carrier is shown (16-,

llVBllIlQ' the platedirectly to the linieliing machine Usually, however, the use of the storage or receiving" tablo.is pre't'erablo as it gives more flexibility between the casting machines and the finishing machine as to speed and time of operation. The mechanism in either or angement, or Where used merely asa delivery from the casting machine. obviates the manual handling 01": the heavy and hotplates, and avoids also the necessity of waiting for the plates to cool in the casting machine before they can be handled, and also speeds up the operation of the casting machines, and thereby of the entire system. p

' The invent-ion in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific mechanisms shown and described but departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from the principles of the invention and Without sacrificing its chief advantages.

- What I claim is 1. In combination, a plurality of stcreotype plate casting mechanisms. a plate finishing mechanism and a single delivering mechanism movable into operative relationship with each of the plate casting mechanisms, for taking plates alternatively from any of the casting mechanisms and moving); the plate along a circular path beginning substantially at the casting mechanism and delivering it to the plate finishing mechanism.

2. In combination. a plurality of stereotype plate casting mechanisms. a plate finishing mechanism. and a single delivering mechanism movable into operative relation ship with each of the plate casting mechanisms, for taking plates alternatively from any of the casting mechanisms and moving the plate along, a horizontal circular path beginning substantially at the casting mechanism and delivering it to the plate finishin g mechanism.

3. In combination. a plurality of stcre0- type plate casting: mechanisms. :1 plate fin- ISlllnfl" mechanism. plate storage means for the plate finishing mechanism, and a single deliveringmechanism fmovable into operative relationship with each of the plate casting mechanisms. for taking plates alternatively from any of the casting mechanisms and moving the plate along a circular path Y beginning substantially at the casting mechanism and delivering it to the storage means for the plate finishing mechanism.

4. In combination. a plurality of stereotype plate castingmechanisms. a plate finishing" mechanism. plate storage means tor the plate finishing mechanism. and a single delivering mechanism movable into operative relationship with each of the plate asting mechanisms. for taking platcs altcrnatively from any of the ca ting mechanisms and moving thcplate along a circular path beginningsubstantially at the casting mechanism and delhnerimg it alternativelv to the storage mcansor directly to the plate finishimz mechanism.

5. In combination, a plurality oi stereotype plate casting mechanisms. and a single. delivering" mechanism movable into operative relationship with each of the plate casting 1necl1anisms, l1aving a device for enearner gaging a plate in any of the casting mechanisms, for turning it over and for carrying it in a curved path beginning substantially at the casting mechanism to position for directdelivery to a plate finishing mechanism. and a plate finishing mechanism for receiving the plate from said device.

6. In combination. a plurality oi stcreotype plate casting mechanisms. and single delivering mechanism movable into opera tire relationship with each of the plate casting mechanisms. having a device engaging a plate in any of the casting mechanisms and carrying it along a curved path beginning substantially at the 'asting mechanism to position for direct delivery to a plate finishing mcclninisni. and a plate tinlSllinfZ mechanism for receiving the plate from said device.

'1'. in combination. a plurality of stereot vpe plate casting mechanisms. and a single delivering mechanism movable into open.- tivc relationship with each of the plate casting n'icchanisms, having a dwricccngaging a plate in any of the casting mechanisms and carrying-it alone a curvcd horizontal path beginning substantiallvat the casting mechanism to position for direct delivery to a plate flushing: mechanism. and a plate finishing mechanism for receiving the plate from said device.

8. In combination. a plurality of Stereotype plate casting mechanisms. and a single delivering mechanism having a device engaging a plate in any of thc casting mechanisms and carryin it in a horizontal path beginning substantially at the casting mccln anism to position for direct delivery to a plate finishing mechanism. a plate finishing mechanism. and storage means for the plate finishing" mechanism. thy storage means and plate finishing mechanism being adapted alternatively to receive a plate from said device.

9. In combination. a pluralit'v ot stcrcotype plate casting mechanisms. a plate finishing n'rcchanism. and a plate delivery mechanism movable into operat ve relationship With each of the plate casting mcchanisms. having a device traveling: in a roiarv path about a vertical axis. the rotary path beginning substantially at the castin mechanism to take a plate from any of the castin; mechan sms and. delivering it to the fini hing mechanism.

10. In combination, a plurality or stereotype plate casting mechanisms. :1 plate finishing mechanism. and a plate delivery mechanism movable intooperative relationship with each of the plate casting mechanisms having a device traveling in a rotarv path about a vertical axis. the rotary path beginning substantially at the, casting: mechanism to take a plate from any of the casting mechanisms and delivering it to the enamel a;

finishing mechanism, said device having additional movement to take the plate from the casting mechanism.

11. In combination, a plurality of stereotype plate casting mechanisms, a plate finishing mechanism, and a plate delivery mechanism movable into operative relationship with each of the plate casting mechanisms, having a device traveling in a rotary Birth about a vertical axis, the rotary path ginning substantially at the casting mechanism to take a plate from any of the casting mechanisms and delivering it to the finishing mechanism, said device having additional vertical movement to take the plate from the casting mechanism.

152. in combination, a plurality otstereotype plate casting mechanisms, a plate finishing mechanism, and a plate delivery mechanism movable into operative relationship with each of the plate casting mecha nisms, having a device traveling in a rotary path beginning substantially at the casting mechanism, to take a plate from any of the casting mechanism and delivering it to the finishing mechanism, said device having additional rotary movement about a ditlerent axis to take the plate from "the casting mechanism. v

13. In combination. a plurality of stereotype plate casting mechanisms, a plate finishing mechanism, and a plate delivery mechanism movable into operative relationship with each of the plate casting mechanisms, having a device traveling in a rotary path beginning substantially at the casting mechanism, to take a plate from any of the casting mechanisms and delivering it to the finishin mechanism, said device having additiona vertical and rotary movement to take the plate from the casting mechanism. I

14:. In a device of the character described, the combination of a plate casting machine, a plate finishing machine, and amechanism for delivering stereotype plates from the cast machine to the plate finishing machine, comprising elements engaging the straight longitudinal edges of the plate, and mounting means for said elements whereby they may be moved in a circular path beginning substantially at the casting mechanism for carrying the plate to a place of delivery.

15. In a device of the character described, the combination of a plate casting machine, a plate finishing machine,and a mechanism. for delivering stereotype plates from the casting machine to the plate finishing machine, comprising elements engaging the straight longitudinal edges of the plate, and mounting means for said elements whereby they may be moved in a circular path beginning substantially atthe casting mechanism. about a vertical axis for carrying the plate to a place of delivery.

16. In a device of the character described,

the combination of a plate casting machine, a plate finishing machine, and a mechanism for delivering stereotype plates from the casting machine to the plate finishing machine, comprising elements engaging the straight longitudinal edges of the plate, and mounting means for said elements whereby they may be moved about a horizontal axis for turning the plate over and about a vertical axis in a curved path beginning sub stantially at the casting mechanism for carrying it to a place of delivery.

17 In a device of the character described, the combination of a plate casting machine, a plate finishing machine, and a mechanism for delivering stereotype plates from the casting machine to the plate finishing machine, comprising elements engaging the straight longitudinal edges of the plate from above, and means associated with said ele ments for turning the plate over and moving it in a circular path beginning substantially at the casting mechanism to a place of delivery.

In mstimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

ALBERT A. HENZI. 

